With the state emerging from two years of ethnic unrest and a near-total collapse of tourism activity, the Manipur government is turning to its flagship cultural festivals to revive economic activity and restore public confidence.
After a two-year disruption due to the ethnic unrest in the state, the Manipur Tourism Department is bringing back the Sangai Festival from November 21–30, marking a key step in its efforts to revive tourism and restore normalcy.
Speaking to TravelBiz Monitor on the sidelines of the 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2025 in Gangtok, Elangbam Sonia, Joint Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, said that festivals will be the primary driver of the state’s tourism recovery this year.
“We didn’t celebrate the Sangai Festival for two years. The situation is better now, so this year we are celebrating again,” Sonia said.
Unlike the pre-unrest editions that were spread across 10 major venues in all districts and many smaller venues, the state is taking a measured approach this year. “We are starting with only two main venues in Imphal West – Hapta Kangjeibung and BOAT – apart from some smaller venues which make it around 14 in total,” she explained. The festival will also host the international polo event and showcase traditional Sagol Kangjei, along with adventure sports at Mapal Kangjeibung, she said.
Daily cultural performances will be staged at the Bhagya Chandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with participation from other Indian states and partner countries. “The cultural departments already have MoUs with various cultural universities, so they are ready whenever it is organised,” she noted.
Sonia emphasised that the revival of festivals is central to rebuilding the economy and restoring morale in the state. “Mainly, it’s for economic revival. There are many IDPs still in relief camps. For them also, we will be giving stalls—for their economic revival. They will participate in cultural shows, volunteering, sports activities… wherever they are interested,” she said.
Reflecting on the difficult phase the state went through, she added, “Yes, we had very gloomy days. Now we are ready for the brighter side. We will start small but very happily this year.”
When asked about the industry and stakeholder sentiments in the state as they suffered heavily because of two years of no show, she said that the views are “mixed” as of now, however, the government had to lead from the front for the economic revival to happen in the state and build confidence in the people as well as business and industry.
“It’s mixed sentiments. The government has to lead towards a positive direction. If the economy is good, everything falls into place. That’s why Sangai Festival is very important.”
The state successfully hosted the Shirui Festival in Ukhrul district earlier in May, which boosted public confidence. “People from the hills and the valley all got together. It was very successful. The night tent stays were the hype of the festival,” she said, adding that the success encouraged the department to resume Sangai.
Following Sangai, Manipur will host the Barak Festival and the Orange Festival in Tamenglong district, known for its distinct hill-grown oranges. “Yes, we plan to revive tourism through these festivals again,” Sonia confirmed.
Sonia added that the state is seeking Central support, particularly in skilling and community-based tourism. “For tourism, there is the UNNATI scheme, which is very good. It involves local people and encourages homestays. If Manipur needs special guidance, that’s what we would ask through this scheme,” she said.
With festivals returning and economic activities picking up, the tourism department sees 2025 as a turning point. Although the tourist footfalls have been low, the hotels and homestays in the state were running with lower occupancies in the last couple of years, with these festivals again reviving, the department expects the tourism industry in the state also rebooting itself in coming months.